Extraordinary antique haul sparks public appeal

Megan Levy15 Nov 2012, 6:41 a.m.

Wherefore art though, Shakespeare lovers?

Wherefore art though, Shakespeare lovers?

That's the question Victoria Police detectives are posing after discovering a number of stolen antique items, including a collection of Shakespeare's works, during a recent drug raid in Melbourne's east.

Police seized the collection of blue-covered books, the titles of which include Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet, as well as antique surgical instruments and an antique wireless radio during the raid at a home in Parkington Street in Kew on September 5.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said officers now were attempting to find the owners of the stolen property.

"Investigators would like to return the property to the rightful owners and have released images of the property," a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

Two men from Kew, aged 30 and 24, have been charged with drug offences after the police raid and are due to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on January 7.

Anyone who can identify the stolen property or the owners has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.